Russia Wants to See Stronger, More Independent and Impartial ICRC — Lavrov
Workers stand outside the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warehouse in Kelaniya, a suburb of Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008. 
MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Russia supports strengthening the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on the basis of independence and impartiality, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday. «Of course, we want to strengthen the International Committee of the Red Cross based on the principles that have been at the core of its activities since its creation. First of all, independence and impartiality,» Lavrov said at a meeting with ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric. The West wants to manipulate the ICRC’s activities for its own political interests, Lavrov said, adding that Russia appreciates that the leadership of International Committee of Red Cross strives to adhere to the principle of impartiality. «No matter what, we will fulfill our obligations under international humanitarian law and expect that you will address similar appeals to your other partners,» Lavrov said. The West wants to whitewash Kiev’s actions in Ukraine, which violate international humanitarian law, Lavrov underscored.Sergey Lavrov said that plans to discuss Russia’s financing of the International Committee of the Red Cross with its President Mirjana Spoljaric.»We will discuss the Russian Federation’s financial support for your committee and its activities,» Lavrov said at a meeting with Spoljaric.Spoljaric is also scheduled to meet with Russian Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova, Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova, and Defense Ministry officials, with discussions set to include, among other topics, prisoner exchanges, Lavrov added.
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